Reliability of gait and dual-task measures in multiple sclerosis

BackgroundSingle-task (ST) and dual-task (DT) assessments are commonly used to evaluate motor and cognitive impairment in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Although variability can influence repeated DT testing measures, the reliability of several DT variables over time has not been adequately explored. For instance, a third testing session has never been included to observe whether DT has a learning effect. DT cognition rate reliability has not yet been examined and dual-task cost (DTC), a widely used calculation for DT interpretation, has not been proven reliable.Research questionTo evaluate the reliability of ST and DT measures of gait and cognition over three test sessions.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study involving 18 people with MS and 12 controls. Participants attended three test sessions, each one week apart. ST and DT (serial seven subtraction) gait variables, DTC, coefficient of variability (CV), and cognition rate were extracted and calculated using an instrumented walkway. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) or Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (KCC; nonparametric test) and minimum detectable change (MDC); between-session learning effect was assessed using repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsICC/KCC values for ST and DT gait variables ranged from moderate to excellent (0.50-0.99). However, reliability for DT stride width and cognition rate was lower in controls. In general, DTC and CV variables had poor ICCs and high MDC values (49.19–1478.67 %), although some DTC variables had moderate or higher reliability in controls. Cognition rate was reliable in both MS (ICC 0.91) and controls (ICC 0.84). A learning effect between sessions was observed for DT velocity in both groups and for DTC cadence in people with MS.SignificanceST and DT gait measures as well as DT cognition rate are reliable outcomes for repeated testing, while DTC and CV variables may not be suitable for long-term monitoring.     

Acceptance of multiple injectable vaccines in a single immunization visit in The Gambia pre and post introduction of inactivated polio vaccine

BackgroundAs the World Health Organization (WHO) currently recommends that children be protected against 11 different pathogens, it is becoming increasingly necessary to administer multiple injectable vaccines during a single immunization visit. In this study we assess Gambian healthcare providers’ and infant caregivers’ attitudes and practices related to the administration of multiple injectable vaccines to a child at a single immunization visit before and after the 2015 introduction of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). IPV introduction increased the number of injectable vaccines recommended for the 4-month immunization visit from two to three in The Gambia.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey before and after the introduction of IPV at 4 months of age in a representative sample of all health facilities providing immunizations in The Gambia. Healthcare providers who administer vaccines at the selected health facilities and caregivers who brought infants for their 4 month immunization visit were surveyed.FindingsPrior to IPV introduction, 9.9% of healthcare providers and 35.7% of infant caregivers expressed concern about a child receiving more than 2 injections in a single visit. Nevertheless, 98.8% and 90.9% of infants received all required vaccinations for the visit before and after IPV introduction, respectively. The only reason why vaccines were not received was vaccine stock-outs. Infant caregivers generally agreed that vaccinators could be trusted to provide accurate information regarding the number of vaccines that a child needed.ConclusionHealthcare providers and infant caregivers in this resource limited setting accepted an increase in the number of injectable vaccines administered at a single visit even though some expressed concerns about the increase.     

Evaluation of the short-term results of closed reduction and percutaneous K-wires fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF)

PurposeOptimum management of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF) still controversial. Open surgery carries the risk of wound complications, while non-operative management has a high incidence of arthrosis. To avoid these complications, minimally invasive and percutaneous fixation was introduced. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the short term clinical and radiological outcomes after closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of DIACF using K-wires.Patients and methodsOutcomes of twenty patients were evaluated at the final follow up. A functional assessment using the AOFAS scoring system. Radiological parameters recorded included three angles (Böhler’s, Gissane and posterior facet inclination angles) and three distances (calcaneal length, height and width). Any complications were reported at any follow-up.ResultsThe mean patient’s age was 33 ± 15.2 years, 8 (40%) patients with type II fractures, 10 (50%) patients with type III fractures, and 2 (10%) with type IV fracture according to Sanders classification. After a mean follow-up of 9 months, the mean AOFAS score was 84, excellent in 9 patients (45%), good in 9 (45%), and fair in 2 (10%). At the final follow-up the Böhler’s angle, Gissane angle and PFIA was 25.1° ± (5.2), 119.9° ± (9.4) and 51.7° ± (5.9) respectively and the calcaneal height, length and width was 41.8 mm ± (2.1), 75.1 mm ± (3.01) and 40.9 mm ± (2.6) respectively. We had no cases of deep infection, 20% had significant subtalar arthritis.ConclusionThe closed reduction and percutaneous fixation technique for DIACF management offered acceptable clinical and radiographic outcomes, with fewer complications when compared to other management options.     

续筋接骨方治疗骨折临床观察

目的研究续筋接骨方治疗骨折的临床疗效。方法选取2018年1月—2018年6月在辽宁中医药大学附属第三医院就诊的骨折患者60例,所有患者按照随机数字表法分为对照组与观察组,每组30例。观察组口服续筋接骨方联合正骨后小夹板固定治疗,对照组患者采用正骨后小夹板固定治疗。分析2组患者干预3个月后的血清骨代谢指标、骨密度、生活质量改善情况以及疗效判定。结果干预前,2组的血清Ⅰ型前胶原羧基端肽β特殊序列(β-CTX)、血清Ⅰ型前胶原氨端肽原(PINP)、骨特异性碱性磷酸酶(ALP)水平、钙、磷及骨密度比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);干预后,2组的β-CTX、PINP、骨特异性ALP水平、钙、磷及骨密度较干预前改善,观察组的改善效果优于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。干预前,2组的物质生活、社会功能、躯体健康以及心理健康评分比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);干预后,2组的物质生活、社会功能、躯体健康以及心理健康评分较干预前升高,观察组的各项生活质量评分高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组的治疗恢复率高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论续筋接骨方可以改善骨折患者骨代谢功能及生活质量。     

Acute total hip arthroplasty for older patients with acetabular fractures: A meta-analysis

ObjectiveMultiple treatment options for acetabular fractures in geriatric patients exist. However, no large-scale studies have reported the outcomes of acute total hip arthroplasty (THA) in this patient population. We systematically evaluated all available evidence to characterize clinical outcomes, complications, and revisions of acute THA for acetabular fractures in geriatric patients.MethodsMeta-analysis of 21 studies of 430 acetabular fractures with mean follow-up of 44 months (range, 17−97 months). Two independent researchers searched and evaluated the databases of Ovid, Embase, and United States National Library of Medicine using a Boolean search string up to December 2019. Population demographics and complications, including presence of heterotopic ossification (HO), dislocation, infection, revision rate, neurological deficits, and venous thromboembolic event (VTE), were recorded and analyzed.ResultsWeighted mean Harris Hip Score was 83.3 points, and 20% of the patients had reported complications. The most common complication was HO, with a rate of 19.5%. Brooker grade III and IV HO rates were lower at 6.8%. Hip dislocation occurred at a rate of 6.1%, 4.1% of patients developed VTE, deep infection occurred in 3.8%, and neurological complications occurred in 1.9%. Although the revision rate was described in most studies, we were unable to perform a survival analysis because the time to each revision was described in only a few studies. The revision rate was 4.3%.ConclusionsAcute THA is a viable option for treatment of acetabular fracture and can result in acceptable clinical outcomes and survivorship rates in older patients but with an associated complication rate of approximately 20%. Considering the limited treatment options, THA might be a viable alternative for appropriately selected patients.     

浮肩损伤的临床特征和治疗

目的 总结浮肩损伤（floating shoulder injury，FSI）的临床特征和治疗效果。方法1993年1月-2004年9月收治浮肩损伤患者8例，除2例行锁骨固定带固定外，其余6例均行手术治疗，其中单纯行锁骨切开复位重建钢板内固定1例，同时行肩胛骨内固定5例。受伤至手术时间为2h～7d，平均3．5d，术后6个月对患肩功能进行Constant评分判定疗效，并对浮肩损伤的临床特征和治疗进行总结。结果6例患者经过6个月～3年（平均11个月）的随访，锁骨和肩胛骨骨折均愈合，肩关节活动范围无明显受限，但有2例患者在举重物时肩关节有轻度的疼痛，1例患侧上肢肌力较对侧稍减弱。术后6个月患肩功能Constant评分平均为93分。结论浮肩损伤多为高能量暴力所致的不稳定性肩胛带损伤，在治疗方案上尚存争议。但对移位明显的浮肩损伤以及有伴发伤的浮肩损伤进行手术治疗是必要的。     

前后挤压型骶骨Ⅱ区骨折与骶丛神经损伤的关系

目的 探讨前后挤压致骶骨Ⅱ区骨折造成骶丛神经损伤的机制。方法 经甲醛短期（1年内）浸泡固定的国人尸体6具，12侧。解剖保护骶丛神经，制成前后挤压型暴力致骶Ⅱ区骨折模型，定量测量不同骨折移位时骶丛神经被拉长的距离。另外，利用X线片观察骶从神经受压情况。结果 随耻骨联合分离逐渐增大，骶丛神经张应变呈直线相关逐渐加大，以S1，S4为最显著，且可造成神经的刺伤，多见于L5和S1，X线未发现骶丛神经受压表现。结论 前后挤压型暴力致骶骨Ⅱ区骨折神经损伤以牵拉伤为丰，以S1，S4为主，且与骨折移位程度成正相关关系。神经的刺伤，多见于骨折移位较大的L5和S1。     

肱骨内上髁骨折致尺神经卡压1例

患者,男,17岁,因右肘肿痛,活动受限30min于2005年6月15日来我院就诊。患者于30min前与同学扳手腕时突感右肘内侧疼痛难忍,逐渐肿胀,活动受限,右手各指无麻木。查体:右肘内侧肿胀明显,压痛,可触及骨擦感,右肘伸屈活动及前臂旋转活动受限,右手各指活动良好,感觉正常。X线片示右肱     

眼眶内下壁爆裂性骨折整体修复29例

目的探讨眼眶内下壁骨折整体修复手术方法。设计回顾性病例系列。研究对象29例(29眼)眼眶内下壁骨折患者。方法对29例眼眶内下壁爆裂性骨折者采用整体羟基磷灰石复合人工骨(HA)修复。对比观察手术前后眼球突出度、复视程度,眼眶CT观察术后骨折修复情况。主要指标眼球突出度,复视程度。眼眶CT影像。结果29例眼眶内下壁骨折整体修复术中,加例眼球内陷全部矫正,9例欠矫1～2mm,4例术后复视未完全缓解。结论眼眶内下壁骨折整体修复是一种眼眶骨折修复的新方法,效果好,并发症少。(眼科,2006,15：348-350)